DÉJÀ VU? It certainly feels that way after Wales invoked the spirit of 2013 with a 20-13 victory over France in Paris.

Two years ago Warren Gatland’s men won 16-6 in the French capital to bounce back from an opening defeat to Ireland in Cardiff and set up a charge to the Six Nations title.

Fast forward 24 months and Wales look to have put their home defeat to England behind them by picking up maximum points at Murrayfield and now the Stade de France.

On Saturday night they produced a determined display full of guts and, eventually, glory to claim an historic win.

It is the fourth time in a row that Wales have defeated France – a feat that eluded even the legends of the 1970s and hasn’t been achieved since 1957.

But more importantly for Sam Warburton and teammates, with the Irish heading to the Millennium Stadium on March 14, it puts them in with a chance of claiming a third championship in four years.

Ireland, England and a fast-improving Italy, where Wales go on the last day, will certainly have something to say about that but there is definitely momentum building for Wales.

And history tells us that once Gatland’s side get on a roll they take some stopping against anyone in the northern hemisphere.

It could have been different in Paris had the hosts’ penalty kicking not let them down or if the officials had failed to spot a forward pass before Yoann Huget touched down in the corner in the first half.

But Wales dominated possession and should have been further ahead by half-time.

And, when they did come under the cosh at the end, they defended as if their lives depended on it.

The nation can seemingly always rely on the boot of Leigh Halfpenny as he kicked five successful penalties that would have been enough on their own to seal the win.

As it was there was also a superbly worked try for the vast numbers of travelling fans to savour along with their Kronenbourg and their crepes.

Dan Biggar, moments earlier desperately unlucky to hit the post with a drop goal attempt, was the man who celebrated a first try for his country while winning his 31st cap.

The Ospreys star was set free after a brilliant break by Rhys Webb and an outstanding reverse pass by Dan Lydiate and he just about had the legs to cross in the corner on the hour.

Wales had led 6-3 at the break after Halfpenny and Lopez traded early penalties before the Welsh ace nailed his second and the Frenchman missed two further attempts.

The Clermont Auvergne player was also to blame for the forward pass that denied Huget his try and the Parisian populace made their feelings clear as the whistle went for half-time.

Under-pressure coach Phillipe Saint-Andre also got his message across during the interval as his side looked fired up at the restart.

Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastareaud, who had replaced Remi Lamerat after only 18 minutes, both threatened the Welsh try line.

Lopez then finally kicked France level but Halfpenny soon restored the lead with his third penalty of the game.

Then came Biggar’s moment to remember as he dashed for the line and Wales looked home and dry with 20 minutes remaining.

It wasn’t quite as simple as that but the visitors got there in the end.

Halfpenny missed the conversion after slipping on the turf before kicking his fourth penalty for an 11-point lead.

Brice Dulin then gave his side renewed hope as he blasted his way through the Welsh defence out wide on the left.

Lopez put the tricky conversion over to narrow the gap to just four points and leave Welsh nerves frayed in the stands.

But ‘Hymns & Arias’ could soon be heard swirling around the magnificent stadium thanks to the cold wind on a chilly night over the Channel.

Halfpenny’s fifth penalty put his side seven points clear and they put their bodies on the line to ensure that they would not let the lead slip again.

It means the battered and bruised players and the no doubt slightly fuzzy-headed fans can still look ahead and hope for a dream denouement.

France: B Dulin; Y Huget, R Lamerat, W Fofana (R Tales, 69), S Guitoune; C Lopez, M Parra (S Tillous-Borde, 52); E Ben Arous (V Debaty, 52), G Guirado (B Kayser, 52), R Slimani (U Atonio, 52), R Taofifenua (J Suta, 61), Y Maestri, T Dusautoir, B Le Roux, D Chouly (L Goujon, 73)

Wales: L Halfpenny, G North, J Davies, J Roberts, L Williams, D Biggar (R Priestland, 75), R Webb, G Jenkins (P James, 70), S Baldwin (R Hibbard, 70), S Lee (A Jarvis, 79), L Charteris (B Davies, 70), A Wyn Jones, D Lydiate, S Warburton (J Tipuric, 70), T Faletau

Referee: Jaco Peyper